Celebrate Juneteenth with Cincinnati Parks Festivities
- Jun 14, 2023
Juneteenth is an annual holiday celebrated on June 19th in the United States. It commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and the end of slavery in the United States. The history of Juneteenth dates back to June 19, 1865, when Union Army General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas to proclaim the freedom of all enslaved people in Texas. This announcement came more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863.
The day of General Granger's announcement, June 19, 1865, became known as Juneteenth and quickly became a time of celebration for African Americans. They held public gatherings, prayer services, and other community events to commemorate their newfound freedom. Over time, Juneteenth celebrations spread to other states as African Americans migrated across the country. On June 17, 2021, it was officially recognized as a federal holiday in the United States.
Juneteenth celebrations in Cincinnati Parks were first organized in 1988 by Juneteenth Cincinnati. The celebrations started at Daniel Drake Park and moved to Eden Park in the early 90's. The celebrations continue today, and there are various Juneteenth events happening in Cincinnati Parks that you can join in on. Take a look:
36th Annual Juneteenth Festival | Eden Park's Seasongood Pavilion and Mirror Lake | June 17 - 19 | 12pm - 9pm
June 17: Celebrate the End of Slavery, including music, children’s area, history, historical re-enactors, a health screening, vendors, food, and more. ChessTime will host the “First Annual Juneteenth Chess Tournament” 10am-6:30pm.
June 18: Father’s Day Concert. The Father’s Day concert presents a variety of inspirational and spiritual music, praise, and dancing in Seasongood Pavilion. 2-6pm
June 19: Parade downtown; details TBA.
Ezzard Charles Park Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra | Ezzard Charles Park | June 18 | 4pm - 7pm
Come enjoy music from CSO at Ezzard Charles Park. This event celebrates Juneteenth and Father's Day.